Tobacco Control Legislation (with examples from the Caribbean)
Tobacco use is a common risk factor for six of the eight leading causes of death, which account for almost two-thirds of the total worldwide deaths. Furthermore, it is a common risk factor for the four main non-communicable diseases (NCDs): cardiovascular, chronic respiratory, cancer, and diabetes. Globally, these diseases account for 70% of the total deaths per year, of which 38% occur prematurely. The World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) describes the scientifically-based strategies and measures to combat this, but the implementation of effective tobacco control measures requires committed work across sectors to realize appropriate implementation of these strategies that will lead to significant improvements in morbidity and mortality from tobacco use.